2 weeks ago I went for my first travel without hubby and first time leave Kyle for so long. Total of 7 days 6 nights because there's no direct flight to Hanoi, I have to stay 2 nights in KL, also to visit my sister. Was feeling nervous more than excited. Nervous because worry to fly by myself and leave Kyle for so long.
Anyway, we definitely had a great time in Hanoi despite the terribly hot weather!
5 Highlights in Hanoi Trip:
1. Awesome food!
I LOVE VIETNAMESE CUISINE! I CAN EAT THEM EVERYDAY!
Before I visit Vietnam, I see Phan Ying always eat Vietnamese food, mentioned how much she love and can have them everyday! I was like hmmm, is it that good? Now I can say the same too, it’s really heavenly tasty! I like how light is their food. Noodle and broth served with crunchy leafy greens and various aromatic herbs. Vietnamese food is considered one of the healthiest cuisines worldwide! How come KK don’t have Vietnamese cuisine? :(
2. Crossing busy streets
Crossing streets in Vietnam is dangerous yet it's fun for me. Haha.
You need to be relax and have confidence. Walk slowly and never step back or run.
Look 2 ways because they seems like no road rules? We seldom see traffic lights. Definitely one of my memorable experience in Hanoi.
3. Hỏa Lò Prison Museum
Sad piece of history exhibit but we learnt so much about French colonialism in Vietnam and the treatment of US POWs during the American War. Worth a visit.
4. Halong Bay
About 3 hours by road from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. Amazing views and calm water so won’t have sea sick problem. This extraordinary place was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. We enjoyed lunch on the double deck boat then visited 2 limestone islands and completed the tour with kayak.
5. Pizza 4P’s
Bored of Vietnamese cuisine? Can try pizza 4P’s. The best pizza I ever had!
Run by a Japanese chef who is a specialist in pizza and Neapolitan pasta.
You must absolutely taste the Burrata Parma Ham pizza. Remember to book in advance because of those crowds.
Here's my itinerary at Hanoi:
Overall Hanoi Experience
8/10
I love Hanoi except the extremely hot weather! Because Hanoi is located in the northern region of Vietnam, it experiences all four seasons. Generally, if your goal is to enjoy the most comfortable temperatures, you’ll want to visit Hanoi in either March and April or September to November.
Overall accommodation experience
10/10
We had an incredible stay at Serene Boutique Hotel & Spa. Great location, easy to walk to the market and lake. The room is so comfortable and clean. But the best part is their staff, they speak fluent english and provide great recommendations for food and where to visit.
Overall Food Experience
10/10
As per mentioned above. I wish KK have vietnamese cuisine :(
Overall Shopping Experience
2/10
There's nothing to shop in Hanoi except Coffee. Which is good, save money :)
Vietnam tourism is not as strong as Thailand yet so now is the best time to pay a visit because it's still cheap! My total spent RM1,770, split down as per below:
Air tickets KK - KL (2 ways) - RM265.56
Air tickets KL-HANOI (2 ways) - RM397.90
Accommodation for 5days 4 nights RM400
Halong Bay Tour - RM200
Pocket Money including transportation, food and souvenirs - RM500
Hope you enjoyed my sharing. Till next time!